Frequently Asked Questions

Why do students need insurance? 
Statistics
Who is required to have health insurance coverage?
I'm young and healthy, isn't this a waste of money?
If I waive the BGSU-Offered Student Insurance Plan, can I still use the Student Health Service?
Where can I go for help?
What if I'm only taking 6 credit hours but need insurance?
Can my spouse/children be covered under the BGSU-Offered Student Insurance Plan?

Why do students need insurance?

The benefits of health insurance are compelling and potentially include:
• Decreasing medical leaves of absence/withdrawals and protecting students’ academic potential – students can remain in school while managing their health care needs
• Enhancing campus community engagement – students will not need to leave campus for medical appointments
• Improving class attendance and enhancing academic success – no need to miss classes to travel for medical appointments at home
• Ensuring access to medical care and thus maintaining the health and wellness of our campus community
• Allowing BGSU to offer a viable, comprehensive, student-centered health insurance plan tailored to our individual community needs, making it possible for students to purchase good health insurance at a lower price
• Ensuring that students have adequate and appropriate health insurance – and managing the sky-rocketing cost of health insurance 
• Decreasing the frequency of student debt and poor credit ratings due to unanticipated and costly medical expenses

  Statistics

• University students are in the age group (19-24) most likely to be uninsured
• 15-20 percent of university  students nationwide are without health insurance
• The University of Toledo, Miami University of Ohio and The Ohio State University have similar requirements, as have numerous state and private colleges and universities nationwide

Who is required to have health insurance coverage?

• All domestic undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled for 8 credit hours or more on the main BGSU campus
• All international students who are registered for one credit hour or more, including students registered for co-ops, internships and dissertations.

  I'm young and healthy, isn't this a waste of money?

It's common to believe that people of college age don't get sick. The reality though is that it can, and does happen, and when it does it can be quite costly. For example, the average appendectomy at a local hospital costs $7,200 in hospital charges alone for an uninsured individual.  There are also additional charges from the surgeon and any other services utilized such as radiology.  College students need health insurance to protect them physically and financially from the consequences of an unanticipated serious illness.

 If I waive the BGSU-Offered Student Insurance Plan, can I still use the Student Health Service?

Yes, all currently registered students taking one or more credit hours are eligible for service at the Student Health Service.  However, University employees taking courses paid for by fee waivers are not eligible for care. 

The BGSU Student Insurance Office is NOT affiliated with the Student Health Service's medical service.

  Where can I go for help?

Contact the Student Insurance Office at 372-7495.  Visit us at 134 Health Center Building across from Moore Musical Arts building or email us at studentins@bgsu.edu .

  What if I’m only taking 6 credit hours but need insurance?

Anyone taking 5, 6 or 7 credit hours can voluntarily purchase the student insurance program.  Voluntary coverage is not bursarable, therefore payments will need to be made directly to Aetna Student Health. 

Contact the Student Insurance Office at (419)372-7495 for details, or go to www.aetnastudenthealth.com to enroll.

  Can my spouse/children be covered under the BGSU-Offered Student Insurance Plan?

Yes.  You will need to complete a dependent enrollment form in the Student Insurance Office.